Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi has admitted that Jose Riveiro’s sudden departure may be taking a toll on the team.
Riveiro, who had earlier indicated he would leave at the end of the season, was granted an early release by the club last week. His exit followed a disappointing run in which the team missed out on three major trophies — the Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League, and Nedbank Cup — in less than a month.
Despite those setbacks, the Spanish tactician remained a respected figure at the club. During his three-year tenure, he not only won five trophies but also promoted several young players into the senior team — a move seen as an investment in both the club and the national footballing future.
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Riveiro’s departure has been emotional for many and appears to have unsettled the squad. Pirates played to a 1–1 draw with TS Galaxy in their first match without him on Saturday, putting in a flat performance.
Ncikazi, who returned to the head coaching role for the first time since sharing duties with Fadlu Davids in the 2021/22 season, admitted the team may still be adjusting to life without Riveiro.
“I wish I could assess that department, but with this kind of result, your mind goes through things — including what could have been,” said Ncikazi.
“You cannot give one specific answer. The departure of the coach could be the case, but I can’t be sure. The coach had a big impact at the club, and I thought they could use this game to celebrate his success.”
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Ncikazi noted that different players process disappointment in different ways and suggested that the club’s dip in form could stem from multiple factors.
“If I were to list the number of possibilities affecting us, it would be many,” he said. “But we are professionals. Even when you’re not playing for a title, you are still playing for the badge, the sponsors, your career, and your own standards.”
Despite the recent setbacks, Riveiro left Pirates in second place on the DStv Premiership table, behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns. With only pride and professionalism left to play for, Ncikazi emphasised the importance of finishing the season strongly.
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On his return to the helm, Ncikazi said he will focus on continuity rather than change.
“I worked with the coach for three years — he found me here,” he said. “I understand his methodology. The coach just left last week, so trying to reinvent the wheel wouldn’t be smart.
“We are two different people, but I understand the processes of the club. Working for a club like ours, it’s about the process more than the individual. I’m trying to fit into that and align with our objectives.”
